Choosing the Right Car for Hire in Uganda

So you’ve decided to do a self drive in Uganda for your next holiday – congrats! You’ve got the trip of a lifetime ahead of you. The next question, of course, is what kind of car you should hire. The answer to that will depend on a few key things. Where exactly are you going to self drive Uganda? How many people are coming along for the ride? What’s your budget?
We’ve put together some important points to consider when deciding what type of car you need to hire for yourself drive in Uganda.

Think about the kind of terrain you’ll be driving through

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you need a 4×4 or any other kind of car as long as it is in good condition. This will depend on where yourself drive in Uganda or East Africa is going to take you.

For the most part, Uganda’s main roads are in very good condition apart from those leading to the major national parks and other tourist attractions of importance. Most of the time, it’s entirely advisable to self drive yourself in Uganda in a 4×4 vehicle. If you plan on sticking to main motorways and visiting relatively built-up areas, you’ll be fine with just any other vehicle like sedan. If you’re unsure, ask campsites, guesthouses and adventure activity operators what the roads are like in the area when you’re making reservations but your car renting company can as well provide such important information to you. Remember, local people on the ground can give you the most accurate and up to date info.

If you plan on going off the beaten track, however, you should consider getting a 4×4. There’s nothing worse than being unable to do a little exploring because your car can’t handle the roads. If you’re planning on visiting areas like Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Queen Elizabeth or Murchison falls national park, hiring a 4×4 is advisable. If you’re planning to self drive Uganda in summer, make sure that your hired car comes with air conditioning.

The Ugandan sun is a glorious thing. In fact, it’s probably one of the reasons you’ve chosen to holiday here in the first place. However, during long drives on hot summer’s days, you’ll be infinitely more comfortable if your car has air conditioning.

Opt for the most fuel-efficient car

On a self drive in Uganda, fuel costs are going to be one of your biggest expenses. Keep this in mind when picking a hire car; a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you a chunk of cash. Your car rental company will be able to give you an estimate of each car’s fuel consumption per kilometer, which you can then use to work out how much you need to budget for fuel.

How many people are traveling?

Obviously, the number of people traveling will affect what kind of car you need. Don’t forget to think about everyone’s luggage, too. If the whole family’s coming along, you’ll need something with a sizeable trunk. It’s unsafe – not to mention uncomfortable – to squash both kids and bags on the backseat.

Consider hiring a camping-equipped vehicle.

If you’re after adventure and planning on camping on yourself drive in Uganda, consider hiring a camping-equipped 4×4. Camping-equipped vehicles come complete with rooftop tents, a fridge, bedding, kitchenware, chairs, a gas cooker and all the other bits and bobs you need to make your vehicle your ‘home on wheels’. All such vehicles are readily available for giving out at Uganda car rental at relatively cheap prices.

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7 Best Places to Visit in Western Uganda

The western region consists several districts including Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Kiruhura, Kabarole, Rubirizi, Mitooma among others. When it comes to tourism, western Uganda out competes other regions due to its tourist attractions and activities that offer memorable experience.

A combination of beautiful landscape, rivers, lakes, variety of bird and primate species and many other wild animals offer you a fascinating experience when you visit western Uganda.

Western Uganda attracts many tourists because of its major tourist destination below:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

It is located in western Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri, extending from Lake Edward and Lake George separated by Kazinga channel. It is located along Mpondwe road in Rubirizi district and Uganda’s second largest National park covering a land of 1978 square kilometers.

Queen Elizabeth National park is the most popular destination well known for its concentration of wild animals, bird species and primate species. The activities in Queen Elizabeth National park include game drives in the Kasenyi sector, Mweya peninsular, Katwe salt mines, Bunyaruguru Crater Lake, Munyanyanga Crater Lake, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, nature walks, cultural encounters to Kikorongo community village, leopard village, the Equator, launch trips on Kazinga channel.

Queen Elizabeth National park shelters over 600 bird species and more than 95 mammal species including elephants, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelopes, buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, chimpanzees, monkey species, hippos, Uganda kobs, Elands, Topis, tree climbing lions which are only found in Ishasha sector, birds like whited winded, swamp nightjar, Africa fish eagle, African kingfisher, white egrets, African morning dove, weaver birds among others. There are chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge in Maramagambo forest.

All these wild animals can be viewed during day and night game drives, boat cruise on Kazinga channel, guided nature walks, birding and cultural tours.

Queen Elizabeth National park has beautiful accommodations which  exceptional  and wonderful services where visitors spend their time when they visit the park including; Mweya safari lodge, Queen Elizabeth bush lodge, Buffalo safari lodge, Ihamba lake side lodge, Kyambura game lodge, park view lodge, Enganzi lodge, Katara lodge among others.

Kibale Forest National Park

It is located in western Uganda in Kabarole district characterized of lowland, montane and rain forest type of forests. Kibale National park is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking, however there other areas where chimpanzee trekking is done including Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National park, Toro Semuliki game reserve in the west and Kalinzu forest close to Queen Elizabeth National park but Kibale National park is the leading chimpanzee destination with over 1500 chimpanzees that consist of habituated and non-habituated chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, Kibale National park also hosts several wild animals like forest elephants, warthogs, bush pigs, duikers, African buffaloes among others, then monkey species like black and white colubus, olive baboons, blue tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red tailed, L’Hoests monkeys among others.

Kibale National park also hosts over 325 birds species which include yellow potted nicator, African King Fisher, weaver birds, African grey parrot, pigeons, little greenbul and so on which can be viewed Kibale forest and others in Bigodi swamp sanctuary during nature walks.

Kibale National park has several accommodations including crater, safari lodge, Kyaninga lodge, Ndali lodge, primate lodge, chimpanzee safari lodge, Isunga lodge, Rweteera safari park among others which offer fascinating services.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable National park is situated in south western Uganda in the district of Kanungu covering an area of 321 square kilometers. It is characterized with a thick tropical rain forest which shelters mountain gorillas which are Uganda’s major tourist attractions.

Bwindi impenetrable National park is well known destination for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda done in 4 sectors; Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector in the southern part of the park.

Bwindi impenetrable National park consists of 18 habituated gorilla families that are being trekked. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park is the major tourist activity in western Uganda and in Uganda generally due to its highest population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable National park shelters over 449 mountain gorillas which are half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which attracts the biggest number of tourists from all parts of the world.

Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species that are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the whole world. A trip to western Uganda offers you the breath taking and memorable experience of gorilla trekking that you will not encounter anywhere else in Uganda. Gorilla trekking starts from the park headquarters with briefing in the morning guided by the ranger guides then they lead you to the forest for trekking, depending on how far the gorillas are, trekking may take 1-8 hours though not predictable.

Trekkers are advised to go with their trekking gears like rain jacket, trousers, long shirts and blouses, hiking boots, insect repellant, hut to protect from direct sun and rain, warm sweater and they should be above 15 years.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National park is located in Kiruhura district few kilometers from Mbarara city. Lake Mburo National park was formerly a hunting area but later gazette in to National park in 1963.

There are tourist activities done in Lake Mburo National park which attract travelers include game drives both day and night game drives, boat trips, nature walks, horse riding, fishing among others.

The park is the smallest savannah National park with a variety of animals like Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, hyenas, warthog, Eland, Uganda kob, impalas, Jackal and many others with over 300 bird species that attract travelers.

The park also has a variety of accommodations including Mihingo lodge, Arcadia lodge, Mburo safari lodge, Mantana tented camp, Rwakobo rock resort, Rwonyo rest camp and so on.

Mountain Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Rwenzori National park is located in western Uganda situated within the mountains of the moon in the East African Rift valley bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain Rwenzori is the third highest mountain In Africa with 5,109 meters high and its highest peak Margherita which is snowcapped.

Rwenzori National park and also a conservation area of the mountain is a UNESCO heritage that covers of 995 square kilometers shared by the districts of Kabarole, Bundibigyo and Kasese. It can be accessed via Fort Portal Kasese road to Rwenzori National park for 5-6 hours.

Rwenzori National park consists of several activities like mountaineering which is the major activity that attracts a number of travelers that come from different countries to hike mountain Rwenzori. Over 7500 travelers each year visit mountain Rwenzori especially to the highest peak of mount Stanley Margherita.

There is also hiking and nature walks done around Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimpanzee forest, Bundibugyo area through Bwamba pass where you come across wild animals like forest elephants, giant forest hog, duikers, leopards though rarely seen, the three horned chameleon which is only found in Rwenzori because it only stays in places which are 3000 meters above sea level, it is always fascinating on sighting it. Cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people and learn more about their cultures, daily activities, traditional dances, storytelling among others, the visitors also enjoy birding in Rwenzori National park with over 217 bird species that can be traced in the montane forests on the slopes of mountain Rwenzori.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National park is located in Bwamba County in Bundibugyo district in western Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of Uganda’s newest National park and second last smallest National park covering an area of 220 square kilometers.

Semuliki National park has a variety of plant and animal species with ever green vegetation for game viewing activities, the park has over 40 mammal species and 600 bird species mostly enjoyed by birders.

Semuliki National park consists of wild animals including leopards, elephants, civets, hippos, forest buffaloes, primate species like chimpanzees, monkey species like olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, de brazzas monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, black and white among others.

Semuliki National park has variety of activities that travelers enjoy while on your safari to western Uganda including game drives which are done in the savannah grasslands of the park which offers views of wild animals like elephants, leopards, bush pigs, warthogs, birds and so on, then the sempaya hot springs which is the most popular tourist attraction in Semuliki National park. It is also said a safari to Semuliki National park with a visit to sempaya hot springs is incomplete, the hot water at sempaya hot spring is more than 100 degrees Celsius that is boil eggs until they are ready. Hiking and trails through the red monkey trail where you spot the monkeys buffaloes, elephants on the river and kirimia trail where you see a variety of bird species.

Cultural encounters to the Bambuti community where you learn more about their life style as the people of the forest, hand craft making, enjoy their music and dances and the birding at sempaya and Ntandi sites which offer excellent views of the white crested horn bill, pipping horn bill, yellowed throated nicator, great shoe bill among others. Semuliki National can be accessed via the shortest distance from Kampala Fort Portal via Mubende for 4-5 driving hours. It can be accessed via Kampala Masaka Mbarara Kasese Fort Portal for 7-8 hours which is quite long.

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is located in western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale districts and close to border with Rwanda. It is also referred to as a bird paradise where it derived its name Lake Bunyonyi meaning a lake of small birds in the native language. It is the second deepest Lake in Africa.

Lake Bunyonyi is close to Kabale town in south western Uganda, it is about 6-7 hours drive from Kampala to Kabale and around more 8km from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi on your way to Bwindi forest.

Lake Bunyonyi is also known to be with over 29 islands with 5 major ones that include Bushara island, Akampena (punishment) island, Kahungye island, Bwama and Njuyeera (sharp’s) island and Bucuranuka (upside down) island and each island has its history attached to it for example the punishment island is where the girls who got pregnant before marriage were thrown to die.

There are several activities at Lake Bunyonyi while on your safari to western Uganda and after hectic activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable like canoeing and visit the different islands to see wild animals, birds, swimming since the lake is bilharzia free, relaxing at the beach, visiting the batwa village among others which offers travelers with experience of breath taking nature of Lake Bunyonyi.

Western Uganda is naturally blessed with exceptional tourist attractions worthy visiting like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi impenetrable forest, Kibale National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National park, Semuliki National parks, Lake Bunyonyi and many more that attract a number of travelers to Uganda each year which offers remarkable experience.

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Safari Planning Tips For Busy Moms Touring Uganda

Ahhh, celebrating or partying during your holidays!…… The Thanksgiving turkey comes out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that fills the entire house. All the party members are in their best moods,  relaxing in pristine condition and not a single piece in the set is missing on your Uganda Safari! The family is gathered for holiday pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot… you wake up!

Let’s be realistic ladies

Without proper planning, the holidays are anything but a holiday. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.

Let me clue you all in on a few key questions that you should ask yourself in order to have a holiday season free of stress and worry, and instead filled with fun and laughter:

What types of holiday celebrations do you want?

For example: Do you want to have an immediate family vacation only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you’ve thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.

In Uganda, there are various holiday types that include gorilla safaris, game viewing trips – best adventures for young children, cultural tours, chimpanzee watching and zoo tours at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, one of the best towns to stay in Uganda duding your holiday!

If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:

Holiday Cards:

Start early! I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.

Holiday Gifts:

There’s nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to “impulse buying” and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it – your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.

Wrap it up:

Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.

Baking & cooking:

If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure

Delegate:

This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.

Enjoy:

Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season if you are not spending it pulling your hair out.

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Holiday Cruise in Uganda

Though this kind of tour is not highly carried out in Uganda and East Africa as a whole, it has of recent gained some momentum in Uganda due to the fact that this country has numerous water bodies surrounding most of the national parks. Rolling hills covered in velvety green jungle are the prelude to soaring volcanoes and shimmering tropical lakes in this beautiful pearl of Africa.

Until you experience for yourself the world-class style that distinguishes every cruising boat on all Ugandan water bodies, you can only imagine the taste of perfectly built cruise boat. Until you experience the pleasure of spending a memorable day in a water fall, then returning to a boat where all the comforts and conveniences you could wish for await you, it will remain just a dream. Come live the Celebrity experience and allow Celebrity to exceed your expectations

Summer is on the way…

The highlight of any visit to Uganda is an encounter with the breathtaking mountain gorillas that inhabit the remote forests, whilst the lively town of Kampala is amongst Africa’s friendliest cities to visitors.

Mountain gorillas hide in the thick forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and sighting them through the trees is something never to be forgotten. You’ll track family groups of these huge primates on foot and get so close you’ll be able to hear their breathing (and your heart hammering!). But keep an eye out for the other 10 species of primate that live here, including chimpanzees, as well as giant forest hogs, leopards and the incredible variety of bird life.

Kibale National Park is home to an amazing 13 different species of primate and the rain forests here are rich and beautiful. You might spot chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys as well as small forest elephants during the day. On a nighttime walk seek out bush babies and the slow moving potto.

Lesser known, though no less beautiful, is the Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering game drives and boats cruises with opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, leopard and lions. Lake Mburo National Park is a huge area of wetlands, swamps and lakes that are home to an astonishing variety of birdlife.

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Discover Uganda’s Crater Lakes

Have you ever thought of visiting Uganda? Uganda is one of the best outdoor places to visit on the African continent and a Uganda safari never disappoints. The erupted craters are simply breathtaking places to visit, offer a fantastic hiking experience near Fort Portal in Western Uganda which will most definitely take you for the renown “Top of the World Hike” that introduce you to several crater lakes, through villages and tea plantations – you have the beauty of the crater lakes before you and the tallest African Mountain range, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon in the distance, simply an incredible and beautiful combination to the beholder.

The historical hole lakes were framed rather later in the light of antiquated volcanic movement in Uganda – an insignificant 8 to 10,000 years prior – however you see them as quiet, beautiful lakes today – when they blasted they brought on colossal harm in their opportunity covering a region bigger than Mount Vesuvius did at Pompeii – in the instance of the Ugandan Explosion Craters – they decreased Lake Edward to a poisonous mess. Fire and brimstone still ejected from the aforementioned blast cavities as of late as 2000 Bc while the Pyramids in Egypt were being assembled.

Eruption Craters did not fabricate cones as Volcanoes do – they basically blew fiery debris and shake far and wide – today there are the aforementioned incredible delightful lakes-, some of which still have a certain sulphur smell in their water. Some offer incredible places for swimming, viewpoints and nature trails that one can climb encompassed by monkeys, tropical fledglings, and wonderful sights.

At the time you are looking down one of Uganda’s cavity lakes – encircled via fields, green woodland, ranches – one doesn’t acknowledge that the aforementioned wonderful lakes were places out of which the earth blasted forward in a most savage ways.

Where are the ancient Crater Lakes located?

• Katwe Crater Lakes – Queen Elizabeth Park:

This renown crater is centrally situated north of the Mweya Peninsula and is the highest point of the park.  You will experience a fantastic scenic Crater Drive – 27 kilometer where you see the beautiful crater lakes on your journey.  The wildlife along the route isn’t soo much, though Buffaloes and Elephants can be frequently seen. Be sure not to miss Lake Kitagata – the lake is fed by a salty hot springs – no appeal to wildlife but beautiful to behold.  Along this route you have some beautiful panoramic views of the Western Rift Valley and its escarpments, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Lake George, Lake Edward and the natural Kazinga Channel.  Along this route you have the opportunity to visit Lake Katwe and its ancient salt works where you can take a tour that will benefit as well as tour the local community.

• Bunyaraguru Craters near – Queen Elizabeth Park: Situated along the Kichwamba escarpment of the Western Rift near Queen Elizabeth Park. Lake Nkugute is a beautiful crater lake that is visible from the Mbarara Kasese road, however there about 20 crater lakes found here and also many dry craters. There are also viewpoints where you can see the Kichwamba Rift valley and also Queen Elizabeth Park.

• Ndali – Kasenda Craters – Fort Portal and Kibale Forest: Unlike inside of Queen Elizabeth Park – the crater lakes here could be investigated by walking –there are numerous treks that you can take here – the “Top of the World” gives one incredible perspectives of the crater lakes here, the Rwenzori Mountains, Tea Plantations, Kibale Rainforest Jungle, Lake George and the Kichwamba ledge of the Western Rift Valley. There are numerous treks that you can bring with an aide from some hours to a throughout the very beginning. The Kasenda Craters are an ideal add onto a visit to Kibale Forest and its Primates – you can likewise stay at U-Market Lodging for example Ndali Lodge and plan hotel for example Cvk Lakeside Resort – both disregarding a crater lake inside straightforward arrive at of different treks along the Kasenda Crater Lakes.

• Fort Portal Craters near Fort Portal:  The Fort Portal Crater Field is the most modest around those in Western Uganda yet there is a gem around them and that is Lake Kyaninga and provided that you have a couple of dollars to extra there is the selective up-business Kyaninga Lodge – log lodge structures on an edge neglecting the Lake Kyaninga Crater Lake and an amazing perspective of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Basically a delightful and tranquil place with more than enough treks of the adjacent territory.

• The Crater Lakes are places to put on your must do record for your visit to Uganda – the excellence of the aforementioned pit lakes are not something to be missed in Uganda – the are a pleasure to view, incredible landscape and yet furnish extraordinary swimming, sailing and some angling chances
  

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Visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best national parks in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Located in South Western Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the four conservation areas protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Gazetted in the 1990s, the park is host to half of the total remaining population of the mountain gorillas. The park provides a thrilling experience of gorilla trekking; a wonderful journey to see the endangered gorillas in the wild. The trek leads you through undulating hills and small-scale farmlands. It provides a memorable experience when you spend time in the jungle viewing varieties of primates, birds and the giant mountain gorillas.

One of the quintessential Uganda experiences is tracking the giant mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and nothing quite prepares you for the first glimpse of black fuzz amidst the dense foliage. The adrenaline kicks in when you’re up close to the imposing figure of a silverback pounding its chest and it’s all very Dian Fossey-like when curious babies peek through leaves and twist, turn and somersault for your entertainment. Gorilla permits will set you back a hefty US$500 but don’t think twice about forking out for this genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bwindi being a tropical rain forest will also provide an amazing experience to you all nature lovers.

Keep in mind that a portion of the fee goes to the park and gorilla conservation initiatives, helping to ensure these giant mountain gorillas survive. Also experience the beautiful and hospitality of the local community who showcase their culture.

Planning a Visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking? Here are some of themust know things that you should note;

• In order to track the mountain gorillas, one need to secure gorilla permits. It is advisable to book your gorilla permits at least 3 months before the tour desired tracking date. Remember gorilla permits are available year-round but do sell out fast during the peak season. Many travelers book their permits a year in advance and some even reserve them 2 years before.
• If you are looking to smooth travel experience, it is advisable to book your trip through a tour operator or travel agency. There are several companies that specialize in organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda and the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Congo (former Zaire). Some of the recommended tour operators include Go Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Expeditions, Budget Gorilla Safaris and more.
• When tracking the mountain gorillas, always follow the steps outlined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, ORTPN or Virunga National Park. These rules are aimed at protecting the mountain gorillas and as well guide the experience of watching the mountain gorillas (Gorilla Tourism) so that it can be a win-win situation.
• Remember children below 14 years are not allowed to track the mountain gorillas.

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Exploring Western Uganda: 5 Must See Things!

Known as the mother of the pearl of Africa Uganda, southwestern Uganda has a lot to offer clients not to miss out on for the greater and memorable experience. The region host the most varied circuit anywhere in Africa, studded with national parks and other protected areas shielding a range of habitats that embraces everything from the snow capped glacial peaks. The frosty Afro-alpine moorland to marsh-fringed Rift Valley lakes and forest-swathed volcanoes – not some vast tracts of the archetypal African savannah. The southwest is Uganda’s top wildlife-watching region and one of the world’s best places to spot primates some of which are very rare and not found in many other destinations except the few. The very distinctive features to explore include among others:

The mountain gorillas

Found in the Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga conservation area, mountain gorillas are the best wildlife encounter in the whole world recommended for every traveler looking for a greater and memorable experience. South western Uganda is home to over 480 mountain gorillas in the whole world alongside volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga national park in the democratic republic of Congo. There are 13habituated gorilla families in Uganda with Bwindi having twelve and 1 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The gorilla permit is sold at 600usd and travelers to Uganda have the greatest opportunity to see the mountain gorilla due to the available permit as compared to other destinations.

Chimpanzees

These are found in the Kibale forest national park also in south western Uganda. Trekking the chimps started as really as 1993 and is done in Kanyanchu village, the chances of locating them are excellent and the guided walks start at 8am and 2pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors. In the process of trekking the chimpanzees, travelers also look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey and the many bird and butterfly species.

Game drives

These are done in the open savannah grasslands f queen Elizabeth national park. Travelers view a wide variety of wild anilams among which includes the elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, impala, Uganda kobs and bush babies. As travelers drive towards the southern section of the park, the ishasha sector, they are blessed to see the rare climbing lions which are not found in any other national park except Manyara in northern Tanzania. This is a real great experience as travelers see the big five as they hunt and graze, it is indeed memorable.

The volcanoes

There are there volcanoes in Mgahinga national park which include Mt Gahinga, Mt Muhabura and Mt Sabyinyo both in south western Uganda. Volcano hike/climb can take up to 8 hours and travelers need to have a clear climbing gear and should be physically fit. Each of these peaks has its own amazing view. No matter which volcano you choose to climb the ascent into the afro montane zone which has plants and vegetation covering you have probably never seen before is exciting and worth the trip and the effort.

Lake Bunyonyi

The second deepest lake in Africa with the depth that vary between 44m (144ft) and 900m (2,952ft), the lake is known as a place of many little birds and it lies in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. It is Located at 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide.

In conclusion, therefore, southwestern Uganda is the best tourism destination with many natural, cultural and historical features all of which provide a great and memorable experience.

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5 Best Rwenzori Hiking Trails

Uganda is a country endowed with nature and it has a lot to over especially in the hiking adventure. Uganda offers many sites for both the veteran hikers and the day hikers. It is also a great haven for family hiking where you can bring your children and younger members of the family without having to worry about the dangers that might await you in other more rugged terrains.

There is so much with hiking tours in Uganda that it is fairly difficult to begin mentioning a great spot. So we have narrowed down your search into the best day hiking trails in the popular Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Here are brief descriptions of what you might see in each site:

Rwenzori Hike.Rwenzori is the third highest mountain in Africa just after Mount Kenya which is the second and Kilimanjaro which is the highest.Rwenzori hiking is not for starters and it needs one with a formidable level of fitness since it is the hardest to climb among all the above mountains that are higher than it.  It is a good introduction to old-growth forests with its display of cedar and fir layers. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit Baby Hot Springs Hot tubs out of slabs of logs are welcome treats even for veteran hikers especially during midwinter. It is also great during early spring and late fall. There are several hot and cold springs that adults and children will both like. Clothing depends on the choice of the visitors and people not accustomed to public nudity are advised to choose other spots.The hike to this mountain takes you through various trails that include the following.

Kalalama camp trail -This trail happens on the first day as you are heading to trhe first camp of this hike especially if one is making it to the summit.During this trail,there  are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit. However the atmosphere and the forest is fantastic as you climb to Kalalama Camp.

Mutinda Trail -This trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again and in doing so crosses several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man’s beards hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.

Bamwanjara pass trail -This trail majorly  Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks. This area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers and Giant lobelia.This trail offers evacuation pad for a helicopter if one hits a snag. This trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss. giant groundsel and lobelia.

Kitandara Trail

This trails goes around Lake Kitandara and thus the originality of the name of this trail. This trail begins from the 4^th camp of Hunwick’s down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott’s pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp which is situated between some huge rocks and offering some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Nyamwamba Trail

This trail goes down the Nyamwamba Valley which is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This valley was too impassable and it took over six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough to be used. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley.

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